World Series of Fighting 3 Preview

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Lightweights

Brian Cobb (20-7, 1-0 WSOF) vs. Justin Gaethje (8-0, 1-0 WSOF)

The Matchup: With knockout power and a solid wrestling base, Gaethje appears to be one of the promotion’s most promising prospects. The Grudge Training Center product captured the signature victory of his career at WSOF 2, defeating Gesias Cavalcante due to doctor stoppage in the first round. While the stoppage might have been premature, Gaethje demonstrated a multi-faceted standup arsenal in the abbreviated affair, attacking with punches, elbows, knees and kicks.

Gaethje’s fearlessness and aggression should serve him well against Cobb, a well-traveled veteran with a savvy ground game. Cobb, who was released by the Maximum Fighting Championship organization following a loss to Antonio McKee last year, relied on his wrestling and grappling to end Ronys Torres’ 11-fight winning streak at WSOF 1. The Bakersfield, Calif., has limited standup but is excellent at taking back control or dictating the tempo of a fight from top position.

Cobb is a big 155-pounder who has dealt with weight cut issues in the past, but he will struggle to impose his will on Gaethje, a former All-American wrestler at the University of Northern Colorado. Thus far, Gaethje has used his wrestling to keep fights standing, as he prefers to sprawl and throw powerful overhand rights and uppercuts. The Arizonan will look to move forward and fire strikes in combination before pressing Cobb against the fence, where he can land elbows and knees in the clinch. Cobb should have opportunities to counter; Gaethje keeps his hands low and often throws one leg kick at a time, but given the limited striking prowess of “The Bandit,” it is unclear if he will be able to capitalize.

Cobb is durable, having only been finished by strikes once in 27 outings, and he will have to utilize quick level changes for takedowns when Gaethje throws heavy leather. Cobb is effective at finishing fights with rear-naked chokes and guillotines, and he is adept at winding up in advantageous positions during scrambles. However, this style also exposes Cobb to surrendering dominant positions, something an accomplished wrestler like Gaethje can use to his advantage.

The Pick: Despite his wrestling background, Gaethje is already quite versatile on the feet. He will keep Cobb guessing with a variety of attacks while mixing in timely takedowns to win a decision.

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